The Popularity of Pakistani Music in India

Earlier, it was difficult to make a clear distinction between Pakistani music and Indian music. This difference came several years after Indian independence. But until then, Bollywood music sounded through every Pakistani home, while ghazals were popular in most Indian houses. In India, qawwalis and ghazals have always been, and continue to be extremely popular.

The rise of Pakistani Music in India

The Sufi influence in Pakistani music is irreplaceable and quite strong. It is especially apparent in the qawwali, which was invented in the 13th century by Amir Khusro. Pakistani music can be divided into two areas – core music and fusion music. Qawwalis, Sufi music and ghazals fall under the core music, while rock, pop and modern Sufi music come under fusion category.

Contemporary Pakistani music is a rage in India and the artists are extremely popular. This large market in India was initially created by Nazia Hasan, who was a pioneer in Pakistani pop. ‘Aap Jaisa Koi’ is one of the singer’s most popular songs.

Vital Signs, Pakistan’s first pop band, accounts for the recent popularity of Pakistani music in India. The band’s debut album released in 1989 was the beginning of a new generation of Pakistani music, which would soon gain recognition across borders. In the meanwhile, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan transformed his style and created music more in line with current trends. He finally entered Bollywood and created an even larger market for Pakistani Music.

The trend set by Vital Signs was carried forward by Ali Haider, who made songs that appealed to the middle-class college student. The bass paired with the emotional content is what carried his music through.

Popular Pakistani bands with large fan following in India

Junoon is a band that made its mark in India through Sufi rock. Azaadi (1997) and Inqilaab are two of their biggest hits. Contemporary Sufi music experienced one of its most indulgent phases in India with the coming of this band. Strings, another popular Pakistani band, released its first album in 1992, but saw success 8 years later. Their second album titled Duur, resonated through the radio and television channels across India.

The trail set by these musicians continues to thrive with the likes of Atif Aslam, Call, Jal and Ali Zafar. Several of these artists are finding patrons in Bollywood and the others have a large fan following of music lovers. Their music twines Pakistani appeal with catchy tunes that are relevant to a mass audience. These musicians blend pop, rock, ghazals, eastern classical and Sufi music seamlessly.

About Author: Lily works for Finesse entertainment where you can get Jazz band hire and swing band hire. Lily loves listening to new music and exploring what different artists have to offer across the globe.